If your holiday season amps up your schedule, you might be wondering how you’re going to keep up with your CPA exam review through all the parties, events, and get-togethers. You’ve secured the best CPA Exam review, and now you may think that taking a few weeks off your study schedule may not be that bad. However, when test time comes, you may feel as if you need to cram, which really won’t help you learn. The holidays can actually be an excellent time to prepare. Instead of saying no to all invitations, you’ll need to have a plan going into the holidays.
List Your Priorities
You can’t chase after every shiny penny through the holidays, so it can be helpful to make a list of events you really want to do and those that maybe aren’t as important. If you’re caught up with your studies, you can fit those “maybe-events” into your schedule. Your priorities will help you stay focused as you know what you can work around and what you can’t. Passing the CPA exam before the next holiday season will make all the study time worth it.
Have a Study Plan
Studying for an exam can be daunting. You don’t want to be studying information that doesn’t have any bearing on the exam, but it can be difficult to get it all done. A CPA exam review can help you stay focused on the biggest topics you’ll face on the exam. It’s like a class syllabus that lets you tackle your studying in bites, knowing that you’ll cover all the topics over the course without missing something.
Let Your Family Know About Your CPA Studies
When you turn people down, they’re going to be sad. You may even feel a little guilty for missing your niece’s Sunday school skit. Instead of getting resentful, explain to your family and friends how important the CPA exam review is and why you can’t take a day off studying. Try to find balance between spending time with your loved ones and studying, but keep your eye on the exam.
Use Your Down Time Wisely
Turn your commute into a study session by using audio study guides. Study in small increments, during lunch or through an afternoon break. Find ways to save time during your day. Instead of shopping for groceries, use an app to shop and just pick up groceries. Trade off chores with a roommate to find a few extra minutes of study time.
Get Enough Sleep
It’s easy to slip on your sleep routine during the holiday during normal times. When you’re studying for the CPA exam, you may feel even more pressure to give up sleep to study. Exhaustion does not help with learning. When you’re exhausted, it affects you across the board. You won’t feel like eating healthy. You stop exercising. You need sleep to stay on top of your game. Get seven to eight hours a night. When you get overwhelmed, check out the next step.
Learn to Say No
“No, I can’t do that,” is enough explanation. You get to decide what’s important to you and what isn’t. You don’t need to explain that you can’t attend the virtual Advent celebration each week because you’re studying. The more you explain, the more likely the host will be able to talk you into changing your plans. It’s okay to tell people you can’t bake cookies or help clean up after the holiday party. They may be disappointed, but their emotions aren’t yours to manage.
Get a Study Buddy
Accountability often helps us stay on track with whatever is on our to-do list. If you have a study partner, you may be more motivated to meet and study each day instead of thinking “oh, one night off won’t be bad.” A study friend who helps you stay focused on the CPA exam can be one of your biggest assets.
Break Up Your Study Routine
During the holidays, your home may not be quiet and distraction-free. You may need to find a place that is quiet where you can study without interruptions. Focus on studying for a period of time to feel like you accomplished something. You can have guilt-free fun when you’re done. Don’t be afraid to go to the library, your car or even the basement to get some distraction-free study time.